Shows
DTLC RadioAnd Then What Happened? (141)And then what happened? This is the reality for all of us. We all have a "then what happened?" No matter your situation or circumstances...Regardless of your current concerns or worries...In spite of your anxiety and uncertainty, there is always a "then what happened?".
Who Is Your King?
As of today (11/05/2020) we still do not know who the President of the United States is going to be. Even after it is "announced" there is likely to be a contesting and recounts. This level of uncertainty - given all that has led up to this election - is great...
2020-11-0559 minDTLC RadioYour Vote Matters – 2020 Election Special (140)You have a responsibility and obligation to vote...if you are a Christian. In this 2020 election special episode, I challenge all Christians to take a stand. Not for one political leader but for political ideologies, beliefs, and worldviews. Clearly, one party is much more pro-God and freedom than the other.
This Election Is Special
I know, for the past several election cycles people have been declaring "this is the most important election of our lifetime." Well, I believe that statement is truer today than it ever has been. Our freedoms and Republic are definitely under attack. And the attack is...
2020-10-291h 13DTLC RadioDo You See What I See? Not Christmas (139)Do you see what I see? Do you hear what I hear? I know you're thinking of Christmas and the song of the same title but I have a different intent here. Can you see and recognize what is happening in your country? Do you understand what God is doing? Are you even aware that God is the One who is doing it?
Not Always As It Appears
Things are not always as they appear to be. Case in point, what is happening across our great country. It is not only political division between differing ideologies on how to govern...
2020-10-081h 26DTLC RadioDo Not Be Afraid! It’s A Command (138)Do not be afraid. Pretty straight-forward statement. The phrase is used 365 times throughout the Bible. Coincidence? I don't think so. Three hundred and sixty-five times God tells us - commands us - not to be afraid. And yet, today - especially today (2020) - I see so many people living in fear.
Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself
Paul's admonishment and testimony at the close of Romans 8 is a great platform on which to preach this message. Do not fear! Don't be afraid! And that message has never been more applicable.
With the coming of the "plandemic" - I mean, pandemic...
2020-10-0100 minDTLC RadioGod Is For You, Not Against You – (137)God is for you! Is that not the best statement in the world? He is not against you; He is for you. God is on your side. He is your Creator and wants nothing more than to be your Father. The question is not His love you; but your love for Him.
Those Who Love God
Not only has the Father gone to great lengths to bring you back into the Family - not even sparing His own Son (Romans 8:32) - but He promises to work all things for good. Think about that. All things will work out good...
2020-09-2400 minDTLC RadioWhen There Are No Words (136)When there are no words, God can still hear your heart. Romans 8:26-29 teaches us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us even when we can't find the words.
No Words Necessary
In the same way that our hope sustains and pulls us toward obedience in the midst of present sufferings, the Holy Spirit aids us in our weakness. What weakness? The weakness of our flesh to be obedient. This is the overall condition of our humanity in general. It's our powerlessness at times to overcome temptation. Sometimes there are no words because we do not even know what to...
2020-09-1700 min2020-08-2700 minDTLC RadioGlorification! Our Inheritance & Hope (134)Glorification! The full redemption of your whole person. This is your promise. This is your hope.
Three Phases of Salvation
The first phase of your salvation - justification - is the application of Christ's blood your heavenly account. This pays the penalty you owe for your sin. By faith - believing God and what He has said about His Son - your debt is cancelled. The penalty due has been paid if full by the blood of Jesus.
The second phase of your salvation - regeneration - is the conversion of your 'old man' to a 'new creation.' By...
2020-08-2000 minDTLC RadioBeing Led Is Being Obedient (133)Being led by the Holy Spirit is simply being obedient to God's law. No more. No less. It's very simple. But far too many people get hung up on the false teaching that "being led by the Spirit" is some mystical, ethereal experience. Let me be clear...it is not.
Being Led Is Not...
Too often people teach or understand being led by the Spirit as a very spiritual experience. In fact, being led is very practical and very simple. In many circles it is described as a special "anointing" or "sensitivity" or special "filling" of the Holy Spirit. This...
2020-08-0700 minDTLC RadioThe Necessity of Sanctification (132)The necessity of sanctification is often misunderstood or outright ignored by many Christians. Sanctification is indeed necessary as a phase and condition for complete salvation. In fact, without it, your faith will diminish and perhaps disappear altogether. Are you saying a Christian can lose or forfeit their salvation? Nope, I'm not saying that...God is!
The Necessity of Sanctification
God - through the Apostle Paul, and others - clearly tells us that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:14-26). The Book of Hebrews gives us warning upon warning not to "drift" from the faith. More specifically, Paul in Romans 8:12-13...
2020-07-2400 minDTLC RadioThe Tug of War – Flesh vs. Spirit (131)Flesh vs. spirit. It's a constant tug-of-war going within you. Your old yet-to-be-redeemed flesh pulls one direction. Your already-redeemed-waiting-for-a-new-body spirit pulls the opposite. This is the Christian life.
Flesh vs. Spirit
In Romans 5:5-13, Paul sets the record straight explaining how the unredeemed are unable and incapable of submitting to the "law of God." The reason? Because even if they do act in morally their heart remains "in the flesh." Your flesh and your spirit (i.e. mind) - meaning the way you think and what you focus attention on - are either in-tune or they are out of tune.
...
2020-07-1600 minDTLC RadioThe Not So Secret Agenda That is Burning America (130)There is an agenda. An agenda to destroy the United States of America from within. Abraham Lincoln, in an 1838 speech at the Young Men’s Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois said: “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we lose our freedoms it will be because we have destroyed ourselves from within.” Truer words have rarely been spoken.
The Agenda
You might be looking around and wonder, "What is happening to America?" Truth is, it's no secret. There is an agenda driving what is happening all around us. That agenda is not new. In fact, Paul mentions it in Romans...
2020-07-0300 minDTLC RadioNo Condemnation & Deliverance From Bondage (129)No condemnation! If Romans is the Himalayas, then chapter eight is its Mount Everest. Deliverance from bondage is freedom in Christ. The key is understanding exactly what we have been freed from. Only then will things begin to make sense and give you true independence.
No Condemnation!
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus - Romans 8:1. Never has there been a greater and more welcome declaration! (A close second might very well be the Declaration of Independence of the United States.) No condemnation - freedom from bondage - no penalty for you! All because...
2020-06-2500 minDTLC RadioSymptoms Are Only Symptomatic (128)Symptoms! It's the symptoms that you see. Just like a tree. You can see the trunk, the limbs, the leaves and the fruit. But these are not the problem. Nor are they the cause of the problem. What we can see is the result of the problem which is the result of the cause. Symptoms!
Symptoms Are Affected By Motivation
What's my motivation!? The familiar cry of the actor paid to play a part that is not naturally themselves. In order to perform in a certain manner (read behavior), I must have the proper or corresponding motivation. Given the present...
2020-06-0500 minDTLC RadioThe Inner Conflict of Every Christian (127)The inner conflict of every Christian is the tension between your already-redeemed spirit and your not-yet-redeemed body. Yes, it's that simple. Unfortunately, too many Christians don't understand this dynamic of their changed state. Even more unfortunate is the reality that most Christians are never told upfront that this tension is going to exist after they are born again.
The True Experience
Some have read Romans 7:13-25 and wrongly concluded that Paul is describing his life prior to becoming a Christian. However, this cannot be the case for several reasons:
The major theme of chapters 6-8 is the Christian life...
2020-05-2800 minDTLC RadioIs The Law Sin? Romans 7:7-13 (126)Is the law sin? No! Absolutely not! After twice confronting an antinomian (i.e. against law) view of grace, Paul a third time asks a question.
The first question was: Do we go on living the sinful lifestyle we had prior to our conversion? No. In fact, you can't because that "old man" has already died and been buried. He doesn't even exist anymore.
The second question was: Can we just sin since grace abounds and we're under grace and no longer under law? Again: Absolutely not! If you do, you simply do not understand grace. You're free from law...
2020-05-1400 minDTLC RadioUnderstanding What Died In Your Death (125)Being "free from the law" has everything to do with understanding what actually died. When you were crucified and buried, what died? Your "old man" died...your old nature. Now, you've been resurrected, born again, and regenerated. You're a new creation in Christ. You are God's workmanship. You have a new nature.
Law Has No Jurisdiction Over the Dead
In Romans 7:1-6, Paul uses the illustration of a married woman being married to another man (i.e. bigamy; having two or more husbands at the same time). He says the law only has jurisdiction restricting this second marriage only so...
2020-05-0700 minDTLC RadioAre You A Slave and Whose Slave Are You? (124)This is really the wrong question. Paul's point in Romans 6:15-23 shows that you are a slave. The question really is: Whose slave are you? "Who's your daddy?" - a modern idiom - implies you haven't yet determined whom you will serve. Through your conversion, as Paul points out, you have already made that decision.
Free To Sin?
Too many people believe that being "under grace" and no longer being "under law" means you're free from obedience to the law. Not true! In fact, you have actually reinforced your responsibility to obey God's commands. We touched on this last episode...
2020-04-3000 minDTLC RadioFree OF Law – Not Free FROM Law (123)Romans 6:14 is a verse that historically has been misapplied, misinterpreted, and misunderstood. The Christian life - the successful Christian life - is all about having a right understanding of this verse.
You are free OF law's penalty but you are not free FROM law's obedience.
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Study Romans from the Beginning By Clicking Here
2020-04-2300 minDTLC RadioReal Resurrection To New Life (122)New Life! That's what it's all about. Not the "hokey-pokey," not "being happy," and not "keeping up with the Jones." Your new life is about counting yourself dead to sin...but living to God!
Resurrected To New Life Is Real
Verse 11 of Romans chapter six is the first imperative - the first command - that Paul gives in this letter. However, it is different from other commands we see in the New Testament. Most of the others deal with behavioral commands and how to conduct yourself. This one is a belief command. It is an exhortation to believe and accept...
2020-04-0900 minDTLC RadioOld Self New Self (121)Your "old self" is dead and buried! Your "new self" is alive and well. The question is, are you aware and actually living this way? And yes, you can live this way even under quarantine.
Old Self New Self
Paul is addressing three questions about the role of law in relationship to living under grace. If we are living under God's grace, what is the purpose of the law? Do we have to obey the law? Is grace a license to live how we please?
Paul says, absolutely not! If you have this attitude or understanding of grace then you...
2020-04-0200 minDTLC RadioKeep Calm and Have Faith (120)In times like these, where does your hope come from? Is your faith the center of your attention? Do you see and understand what is happening and why or are you caught up in the panic? The answers to these questions are at the root of why we dig into Scripture.
By Faith and Not By Sight
What you believe and why you believe has everything to do with your current perspective and mental state. In the midst of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, too many people - and far too many Christians - are losing their stability.
Have you fallen...
2020-03-2600 minDTLC RadioYour Personal Union With Christ (119)Do you know when you were united to Christ? Your personal union with Christ is required for your salvation. Without it, you will not be found "in Him."
In Romans 6:3-4 Paul expressly identifies baptism (i.e. water immersion) as the point in time when you are "united with Christ." Water baptism exemplifies the very real and actual death, burial, and resurrection of repentant believers performed by the Holy Spirit (i.e. Holy Spirit baptism or being born again).
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Study Romans from the Beginning
2020-03-1700 minDTLC RadioDon’t You Know the Significance of Baptism?! (118)The significance of baptism is more than simple symbolism. Baptism is not significant because it is somehow our "first act of obedience" as a Christian. In Romans 6, Paul makes the argument that the significance of baptism is nothing short of actual re-birth!
Or Do You Not Know?
Before discussing the relationship we as Christians under grace have with obedience to God's law, Paul first reminds us. Reminds us? Yes, he reminds us!
Quite literally Paul writes, "are you ignorant" of what happened to you in your immersion. Immersion? Yes, immersion. I thought he is talking about baptism. That's right, he...
2020-02-0600 minDTLC RadioObedient Grace Is The Goal (117)Does grace lead to antinomianism? If we are "under grace" do we still have to obey the law? Yes. In fact, absolutely yes! Grace does not negate our obedience to the law. Grace does negate the law as a system for salvation. Understanding this key difference is the topic of Romans 6 and 7. The truth is, grace is necessarily an obedient grace.
Obedience or Legalism?
Antinomianism literally means against (anti) law (nomos). In Paul's presentation of the gospel, he rejects law as a means of personal righteousness unto salvation. Meaning, obeying the law cannot save you. In fact, it was never...
2020-01-3100 minDTLC RadioFive Phases of Spiritual Growth (116)Understanding the five phases of your spiritual life is critical to your success. Remember the key questions we focus on here at DTLC? Who are you? Whose are you? Why are you here? Recognizing the five phases you go through in life - from a spiritual perspective - will make all the difference.
Every Person Included
Every single person is in one of these five phases of their spiritual life. Recall from our study in Romans 5 that we are all born in a state of "original grace." From conception to the age of accountability, we are covered by the grace...
2020-01-2300 minDTLC RadioAn Overview of Romans 6-8 (115)Romans chapters 6-8 is certainly, "where the rubber meets the road." Paul has spent the letter telling us how we are all under the law and face due judgment for having broken it. Then, he tells us the amazing good news of the gospel! God, through His grace, has offered us salvation. Through faith in Christ we can have our sins forgiven. That is great news!
But Wait, There's More
But sin has not just left accountable for a debt we can't pay. It has also corrupted our spirit AND our body. Sin has left us us powerless over it...
2020-01-1600 minDTLC RadioYou Have Already Transitioned (114)You have already transitioned! Romans chapter six begins a new section of Paul's letter to the church at Rome. For five chapters he has presented the gospel of grace and the inability of the law to save. But does that mean that we have no more relationship to the law? Are we to conclude that we no longer bear any responsibility to keeping it?
Justification to Regeneration and Sanctification
Paul begins this new section by reminding his Christian readers that they too have already transitioned. Having your sins forgiven and your penalty paid is only half of the story. In...
2020-01-0900 minDTLC RadioMerry Christmas & Happy New Year (113)The true meaning of Christmas.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!
See you next year - 2020!
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The Gift of the Magi - written by O. Henry (1905); Narrated by Lorne Greene
Peanuts - Charlie Brown & Linus van Pelt - Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown! - created by Charles M. Schultz
Song Credit: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus by King's Kaleidoscope.
2019-12-1900 minDTLC RadioBiblical Assurance of Salvation (112)There is a widespread belief in Christianity that once a person becomes saved, they remained saved no matter what. Not only can you be certain of your salvation (as the teaching goes), you have God's guarantee that you can never lose it. The question is, does this "once saved always saved" teaching agree with the biblical view of assurance? Once a person is saved, do they remain saved forever regardless of any action/belief on their - or anyone else's - part?
Augustinian Roots of Once Saved Always Saved
The roots of this doctrine - just as with the whole...
2019-12-1200 minDTLC RadioDoctrine Matters – TULIPs Aren’t Roses (111)Doctrine matters! Well, of course it does! What you believe and why you believe it effects and influences every aspect of your life. To pretend otherwise is to, well, pretend otherwise. The passage of Romans we just studied (i.e. Romans 1-5) and the passage we're about to begin (i.e. ch. 6-8) teach and solidify several truths.
Among these truths are the "ordo slutis" (the order of salvation), original sin (as a concept), original grace (as a reality), confession, faith, and baptism as parts of the plan of salvation. Paul also addresses the reality of sin, the responsibility of...
2019-12-0500 minDTLC RadioChrist Is Greater Than Adam (110)Christ is greater than Adam. This is the primary point being made in Romans 5:12-21. Whatever consequences Adam's sin brought on every man, the cross of Christ has negated for every man. No matter what consequences Adam's sin could have brought on every man, the cross of Christ has canceled for every man.
Christ is Greater
Christ is greater than Adam. The cross is greater than the consequences of sin. Grace is greater than sin itself. Grace prevails!
Failure to see this point in this passage ultimately pollutes many - if not most- other doctrines and conclusions drawn from Scripture...
2019-11-1400 minDTLC RadioThe Gift is Greater – Romans 5:14-17 – (109)The entire point of Romans 5:12-21 is that the gift of grace is greater than any or all of the effects of Adam's sin. To miss this is to miss everything else explained in the passage.
Giving Credit
This episode begins by addressing an email that I received pointing out my negligence in giving proper credit to those authors, instructors, and influencers from whom I have readily drawn. I admit that I have been lax in this reporting. To correct this, I have posted a list (although a very incomplete list) of many of the men from whom I have...
2019-11-0700 minDTLC RadioDeath Through Adam (108)Death is experienced by all men because of Adam's sin. This is the reality of our existence as fallen people in a fallen world. This section of Romans 5, specifically verses 12-14, establish several critical points. One man is responsible for human beings having to experience physical death. Just as through one man sin entered the world, his one sin also brought death.
Interestingly enough, this verse affirms the reality of Adam's existence. Meaning, that Paul here confirms the fact of Adam being an actual historical individual. Adam is not a fictional character or mythical allegory. He was the real and...
2019-10-2400 minDTLC RadioOriginal Grace or Original Sin? Romans 5:12-21 (107)Original grace* or original sin? Which one are we born with? This question - and its answer - is the root of many of the differences between denominations. And Romans 5:12-21 is the passage of Scripture most often used to defend the teaching of original sin. But what if that common understanding is wrong? How does that effect our understanding of grace?
What Is Original Sin?
Original sin is the belief and teaching that all babies are born sinners and are born depraved. The extent of this depravity at birth - either partial or total - is also a major...
2019-10-1700 minDTLC RadioFour Key Questions – Romans 5:12-21 (106)Four key questions will help clarify the overall meaning of Romans 5:12-21.*
Q1: What is the purpose of the passage relative to the immediate context of chapter 5 and the rest of Romans as a whole?
Q2: Does this passage teach the doctrine of original sin?
Q3: What is the scope of the words many and all as they are used in this passage?
Q4: Does this passage teach universal salvation?
The answers to these four questions will remove some of the "problems" of interpreting this passage.
(*These questions do not originate with me. They were formulated by Dr. Jack Cottrell...
2019-10-1000 minDTLC RadioDon’t Forget the Point – Romans 5:1-21 (105)What's the point? Jesus is the point!
If we fail to remember this, we are doomed to misinterpretations and misunderstandings of Scripture. Jesus - His cross, His blood, His love - is the point. Why does this matter? Because if forgotten, we tend to pull passages out of their context. Our upcoming passage in Romans 5:12-21 is a perfect example.
Context, Context, Context
As you've learned from past episodes, context is a critical component in hermeneutics (interpreting the Bible). Knowing, for example, the definition of a word is important. But how that word is used in context ultimately determines its...
2019-09-2600 minDTLC RadioWithout A Doubt – Romans 5:6-11 (104)Without a doubt, you can be 100% certain that you are saved. Regardless of any - and in fact, regardless of every - circumstance you ever encounter in this life, you can have absolute assurance of your salvation. Sound impossible? Not when you understand the basis of your assurance.
While We Were Yet Sinners
In Romans 5:1-11, Paul is contrasting two different conditions. The first, what we once were. The second, what we are now. It is in understanding what you once were - and what happened while you were - that grounds our confidence in what we are now. Not...
2019-09-2000 minDTLC RadioGo With What You Know! – Romans 5:3-5 (103)Go with what you know! This is a phrase that I use on a regular basis. Interestingly enough, Paul basically says the same thing in Romans 5:1. Justification by faith - for the one who has faith - is a present reality. It is not a distant wish or a figment of your imagination. Right now, you truly are justified and you truly are saved, by faith.
Peace With God
The direct result of this reality is an equally amazing dual reality. You are no longer an enemy of God! We have peace with God, through faith in Jesus Christ. You...
2019-09-1300 minDTLC RadioAssurance – Do You Have It? – Romans 5:1-3 (102)Assurance - being 100% confident that you are saved - is based squarely on your understanding of justification by grace through faith. The single greatest reason I am spending time going through the Book of Romans is to help you have just such an assurance.
Therefore...
Romans 5:1 begins with these words: Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the essence of assurance of our salvation. We are no longer an enemy of God. There is no longer any hostility or enmity between us and God. Not because of anything we...
2019-09-0500 minDTLC RadioFaith Like Abraham – DTLC Radio 101Faith like Abraham. That's what we are to have. Faith like Abraham. This is the point of Romans 4:17b-25. If Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness and we can have that same justification, what kind of faith do we need? Paul's answer is to just duplicate the faith of Abraham.
Standing On the Promises of God
Abraham's circumstances - being an old man of 100 and having a barren wife - did bode well for him having children. And yet, this was God's promise. Abraham and Sarah would have a child. And not just any child. But a child...
2019-08-3000 minDTLC RadioNot by Law – How Abraham Became A Father – DTLC Radio 100Not by law. The salvation of sinners is not by works (4:1-8), not by circumcision (4:9-12), nor is it by law (4:13-17). It is by faith and therefore consistent with grace. In this section of Romans Paul continues his contrast between the law-system and the grace-system as ways of salvation.
Not By Law
Abraham is called the "Father of Israel" because it is through him that the nation is established. All Jews are physical descendants of Abraham. As we saw last time, circumcision is the physical sign of the covenant God made with His people.
Abraham is also called the "...
2019-08-2200 minDTLC RadioThe “Sign” Makes No Difference – DTLC Radio 099The sign of the covenant relationship between God and the Hebrews has zero impact on salvation. In Romans 4:1-8, Paul states that salvation is by faith apart from works. Verses 9-12 he teaches that it is apart from circumcision (i.e. the sign of the covenant) as well. And as we'll see later, in verses 13-17, Paul says salvation is by faith apart from law.
Membership In Abraham's Family is By Faith
Paul has established - through the OT Scriptures - that Abraham is the quintessential example of justification by faith. First he cites Genesis 15:6. Then he cites David from...
2019-08-1500 minDTLC RadioJustifying the Wicked – DTLC Radio 098"God, who justifies the wicked..." What an amazing phrase...justifying the wicked. How does that even happen? How can it even happen? God is the One who declares that all judges should always condemn and never acquit (justify) the wicked. In fact, God Himself declares, "I will not justify the wicked" (Exodus 23:7, KJV).
Romans 1:8 - which we have already studied - describes God as directing His wrath toward all human wickedness. But here it is. Right here in black and white. Romans 4:5 says clearly that God does justify the wicked. How can this be?
Justifying the Wicked is An Amazing...
2019-08-0800 minDTLC RadioAbraham’s Faith Saved Him – DTLC Radio 097Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). It was not his works of law that resulted in his salvation. As is the case today, salvation always is, always has been, and always will be, by grace through faith. Therefore,Paul goes back to the beginning of "our" faith to the call of Abraham, and presents him as the illustration of salvation by grace. As a result, the point is made that anyone who has ever been saved has been saved by grace.
Abraham As A Paradigm of Grace
The whole of Romans 4 is a presentation of Abraham as...
2019-08-0100 minDTLC RadioYou Still Have to Follow the Law – DTLC Radio 096So, does "being under grace" mean that we no longer have to abide by the law? Are Christians - as a result of their faith - exempt from keeping the law of God? Is it necessary for Christians to still be obedient to the commandments we find the Bible?
The answer is yes, we do still have to keep the law. In fact, our faith doesn't nullify the law at all...it upholds it. Our faith is what allows the law of God to do its proper and intended work.
The Work of the Law
A right understanding of justification...
2019-07-2500 minDTLC RadioConditions of Grace – DTLC Radio 095Are there conditions for receiving God's grace and salvation? Yes! And understanding that (a) there are conditions and (b) what those conditions are will make all the difference. How do you answer the question: What must I do to be saved? Your response could make an eternal difference.
According to the Redeemer
In our last episode we discussed the different relationships we have with God. First, we deal with Him as our Creator. As such, He gives commands that we are obligated to obey by virtue of being His creatures. Second, we deal with Him as our Ruler and King...
2019-07-1100 minDTLC RadioCreator & Redeemer – DTLC Radio 094There is a difference in the ways we deal with God. God has "performed" three primary works: Creation, Providence, and Redemption. In these works God has three primary roles: Creator, Ruler, and Redeemer. Every person ever conceived deals with God in at least two of the three ways. Each one of us deals with God as Creator. Each one of us deals with God as Ruler. But only some of us deal with God as Redeemer.
Instructions from the Creator
As Creator, God has every right to give and expect obedience to His commandments. Those commandments He gives in His...
2019-07-1100 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 093 – What Are “Works of Law”?Romans 3:28 - What does Paul mean by "works of law"? How does the Bible define "works"? Are there conditions to salvation? Are we saved by "faith alone" and nothing else? What about repentance or confession or baptism? Is everything a person does counted as a "work" or "work of law"?
These and other questions answered in this weeks episode of our continuing study of Romans.
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This Study of Romans Begins With Episode #69
Episode #68 helps you understand the Bible's definition of "faith."
2019-07-0400 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 092 – No Bragging About Your Salvation!No bragging! There is no bragging or boasting about your faith. More specifically, there can be no bragging about your being justified by faith. Why? Because your justification is not based on anything you did. Nor is it based on anything you can do. The truth is, whatever you attempt to do to "gain" or "earn" your salvation will fall woefully short (Isaiah 64:6). (see Philippians 3:2-11)
Boasting Is Excluded
As we come to the last section of Romans 3, Paul declares that all bragging and boasting is eliminated and excluded (3:27). On what basis? On the basis that justification is by grace...
2019-06-2700 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 091 – Propitiation Equals Freedom!We have stated that Romans 3:21-26 might be the most important paragraph ever written. We might further contend that Romans 3:24-26 is the most important passage in the entire Bible. It is no less than the introduction of one of the most important doctrines: justification by grace through faith.
Wrath- Remover
The question is raised, on what basis can God justify - declare righteous - unrighteous sinners? If God's law demands that sin be punished, how was anyone in the Old Testament saved? How can God be true to His law and at the same time be generous with salvation...
2019-06-1900 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 090 – The Greatest Paragraph Ever WrittenIt's been called the greatest paragraph ever written. Romans 3:21-26 lays the basis for God justifying sinners - justification by grace. The fact that guilty people get to go free is simply amazing.
Guilty, Yet Pardoned
Justification by grace is a cornerstone doctrine of Christian faith. Understanding it - what it is and what it is not - is critical to your daily living. How? By helping you see yourself as you really are, not as you think you should be.
The difference between being declared righteous and being made righteous is foundational to your success. Today we explore a...
2019-06-0800 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 089 – Finally, Some Good News – Justified!How can a sinner - like me - be justified before God? If I cannot keep His law through perfect obedience and can never pay the penalty due in full, how can I ever be saved? The law of God leaves no other alternatives. How can sinners be brought back into a right relationship with God and His law?
Finally, Some Good News
After hearing the charges against us - all of us - that we are guilty under the law of God, there is finally some good news. I'll be honest with you: I'm glad that section is over! U...
2019-05-3000 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 088 – The Grace SystemThe "law system" is fair, just, and right. The "grace system" is unfair, justifies, and declares righteous. Which one are you choosing? Do you really want God to be "fair" with you on judgment day? Once you understand what that means, I'll bet you choose grace.
The Law System
For 64 verses (Romans 1:18-3:20) Paul has described our wickedness before God under the law system. The summary statement of this passage is basically found in 3:20: "...by works of law no flesh will be justified in [God's] sight...." Why spend so much time telling us about it? Because we each one need...
2019-05-2200 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 087 – All Guilty! Romans 3:9-20We are all guilty! That's the message of Romans 3:9-20. None of us - Jew or Gentile - is exempt from judgment under the law. We have all broken the law of God - in whatever form He has given it - and are therefore sinners. First John 3:4 says, "Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness." If you insist on dealing with God according to the law, you will stand condemned by that very law.
Under Law
We are all under law. Every human being who has ever lived - and will ever live - is...
2019-05-1500 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 086 – The Jewish Advantage – Romans 3:1-8After learning that just having the Law of Moses is not enough, the question is: What advantage is there in being a Jew? Have the Jews been spinning their wheels for the past 2,000 years? Or is this God's idea of a bad joke - giving the covenant and a sign - circumcision? If the Jews aren't saved by the Law of Moses, how can they been considered "chosen"?
False Assumptions
The Jews' basic problem is one of false assumptions. They have presumed upon the law they possess. Israel has wrongly determined that "being chosen" is an advantage with regard to...
2019-05-0900 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 085 – We’re All HypocritesNo one will be saved by his relationship to the law of God. Whether that law is the "law of Creation" - that God exists and deserves our honor and thanks - or the Law of Moses makes no difference. All law demands perfect obedience. Failure to be perfect results in condemnation. It's as simple as that.
Jews No Better Off Than Gentiles
Ignorance of the law is an unacceptable defense for Gentiles. Because they do know the law and have in fact, suppressed its truth. Jews will not be saved simply by their possession of the Law of Moses...
2019-05-0200 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 084 – No Excuses for You Either!Is there such a thing as bad Jews or Christians and righteous unbelievers? Paul says there is and it's based on the reality of Romans 2. The Jews make the mistake of believing that possessing the Law of Moses should equate to special considerations and treatment.
The Impartiality of God
The overall subject of this first main section of Romans (1:18-3:20) is the inability of the law to save people from their sin. Sin, by definition, is lawbreaking; breaking even one of God's laws results in being a sinner. And although the law - whether spelled out or revealed in creation...
2019-04-2500 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 083 – Romans 1:21-32The wrath of God is revealed in many different ways. From the immediate and actual consequences of our sin to eternal punishment in hell. As Paul describes, God's wrath is also experienced in daily life and in real time events. These events and actions happen to both individuals and societies.
God Gives Them Over
Being given over to the "desires of our heart" might not sound like much of a punishment. But when those desires are wicked and sinful, being turned over means being let loose to the full consequences of sin.
Sin leads to more sin. Sin is both...
2019-04-0900 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 082 – Romans 1:18-20Wrath!
Isn't that a great word? Doesn't is just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? NO! Of course it doesn't. Wrath is not to be trifled with and certainly not the wrath of God.
Many people are so discomforted by the word that they reject the idea outright. "God is love," they say. "God isn't going to condemn anybody. Especially those who have never had a law to follow or heard the gospel." Well, yes, God is love. But God is holy, holy, holy as well. He is also a God of wrath and righteousness. Breaking His law...
2019-03-2700 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 081 – Bad News FirstRomans 1:18-3:20 is the first main section of the body of Paul's letter to the church at Rome. After transitioning from introducing himself and reveling in the gloriousness of the gospel, Paul makes a huge shift.
You Have Cancer!
If you were to notice that you were beginning to have problems in some physical way, you'd go to the doctor. You would want him first to examine you, ask questions, take tests, and then offer his diagnosis. In short, you would want him to tell you what's wrong with you. Why?
Because if you don't know what is wrong with...
2019-03-2000 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 080 – The Righteousness of God – Part 2This week we continue to develop our understanding of the "righteousness of God" revealed in the gospel, according to Romans 1:17. We have discussed the definition of righteousness. Also, we examined what it means for God to be righteous. Today, we take a look specifically at how the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel.
The Key To Opening Your Understanding
Understanding and grasping exactly what Paul is describing is the key to comprehending much of the Bible. I would go even further and say that it has the potential to release you from the frustrating life you've been living...
2019-03-1300 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 079 – The Righteousness of God – Part 1The righteousness of God is said to be revealed in the gospel (Romans 1:17). As far as human beings are concerned, righteousness is conformity to the proper standard, norm, or law. At least that's how the Bible defines it. Simply stated, righteousness is meeting the requirements of the law.
By this same definition, we can define sin (i.e. unrighteousness) as failing to conform. In a word, lawlessness (1 John 3:4). By this definition, how do we apply it to God? To what law or standard must God conform? Once defined, how is this "good news" (i.e. gospel) to sinners? Well, in...
2019-03-0600 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 078 – Righteousness Defined"For in it [the gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'But the righteous man shall live by faith'.” Romans 1:17.
Critical Understanding
It is absolutely critical to understand what righteousness is, whether our own or God's. If it is revealed in the gospel - and Paul says it is - then we must strive to understand it. To understand we must first rightly define righteousness, biblically.
This has been the failure of the church for several decades. Instead of rightly seeing the righteousness of God in the gospel, many have concluded that Go...
2019-02-2700 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 077 – I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16 NASB
The gospel is not just the message of the cross but the cross itself. The actual events that took place on Calvary display the power of God. These events also provide the grounds for grace. And yet it is these events that cause some to be ashamed.
The idea that the Creator of the universe became a man and died a criminal's death is hard for many to...
2019-02-2000 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 076 – The Depth of the GospelMost people never experience much of the depth of the gospel. It is my contention that grasping it will change your life.
Paul's Desire to Preach the Gospel
I don't believe you can overstate Paul's deep desire to preach the gospel. And not simply the "saving" gospel but the "living" gospel. The sanctifying gospel. I attest to the fact that when you grasp it, life becomes much more enjoyable...and simple.
I can also attest to the personal desire to preach and teach the good news. And I share a deep satisfaction in discussing it while witnessing others "get it!"...
2019-02-0600 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 075 – Obedience of FaithAs we continue our study of Romans, we come to verses 5-7 of chapter 1. Here, Paul declares that part of the goal of the gospel is obedience.
Obedience of Faith
Paul has received the gift of being an apostle, by grace he has been called to that elite group. When he uses the word "we" he is not referring to all of us. Instead, he is using the term editorially, the same way I would refer to DTLC as "we."
The goal of Paul's apostleship - and ultimately the goal of the gospel message - is to produce obedience. "Obedience...
2019-01-3000 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 074 – The Son of God with Power – Romans 1:4As we continue our study of Romans, we come to verse 4 of chapter 1. Jesus is declared the Son of God by virtue of His resurrection from the dead.
Don't Skip On By
Don't just skip on by that statement. It is the resurrection of Jesus that definitively declares that He is the Son of the Living God. Paul goes into deeper detail in 1 Corinthians 15 about the significance of the resurrection. it is not too crass to say, without the resurrection, Christianity is a waste of time! In fact, Paul says exactly that - without the resurrection - there is no...
2019-01-2400 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 073 – The Gospel Foretold – Romans 1:2-3As we continue our study of Romans, we come to verses two and three of chapter one. Simply stated, Paul's "gospel of God" is that Jesus has fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
Promised Beforehand
The Gospel is not new. In fact, it's as old as creation itself. The first promise ever given regarding the Messiah comes in Genesis 3:15. There, God says, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel."
Everything Paul is about to...
2019-01-1600 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 072 – Romans 1:1 – An Apostle of the Gospel of GodPaul is unique among the apostles - unique in his calling and unique in his experience - but he is no less an Apostle.
What Is An Apostle?
To be called an "apostle" in its Scriptural context, means that a man met certain criteria. Criteria that no man (or woman) can possibly meet today. As a verb, the term simply means "to send, as on a mission." Our modern missionaries might be referred to in this light. They are sent on a mission to deliver a message.
As a noun - apostolos - refers specifically to those specially qualified and...
2019-01-0900 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 071 – Romans 1:1 – Paul, the Slave of ChristThe Slave of Christ
Slave is a term that is hideous to our modern sensibilities, and rightly so. It is a term that has come to represent the absolute worst in human depravity and treatment. Historically, the term wrenches our national soul to think of that era pre-Civil War. Not our finest hour to say the least. And yet, it is this term - doulos - that Paul uses to represent his position and relationship to our Lord.
In fact, confessing "Jesus as Lord" means to place ourselves in the position of slave and He as our owner. This should n...
2018-12-0600 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 070 – Romans 1:1 – “Paul…”Romans 1:1: "Paul..."
And with that single word introduction there is a wealth of information and perspective. Understanding who the apostle Paul was is a huge benefit in understanding his writings. Not only is it profitable as background information but is more so for gaining necessary insight into the text. The Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit but He uses the experiences of the "human pen" to dictate the doctrine of grace.
The Passion of Paul
In this episode we discuss - in some detail - who Paul was. Who was he before his conversion, when he was known as...
2018-11-2900 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 069 – An Introduction to the Book of RomansThe Book of Romans has been called "the greatest Christian work ever written." That's pretty high praise but is one of numerous accolades and honors paid to this letter. Written by the Apostle Paul (circa A.D. 56-58), Romans is considered the quintessential work on Christian doctrine and specifically the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Influence of the Book of Romans
The influence and impact of Romans on the history of the Church cannot be overstated. In fact, it is directly connected to the conversions of Augustine, Martin Luther, John Wesley, and many others. The content of the letter is responsible...
2018-11-1500 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 068 – Faith is Believing God!What is faith? Is faith simply believing? If so, believing in what? In Who? What does it mean to live "by faith?"
Perspective Gained
Over the past month of being away from the podcast mic, I've come to a couple of key conclusions . First, I believe I may have made a mistake in trying to "straddle the fence" between being too preachy and focusing on Scripture and trying to appeal to those who don't believe. The truth is, nearly all of my clients have been and are believers. They are Christians. I make the assumption that a fair percentage of m...
2018-11-0800 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 067 – Don’t Go Changing…Don't Go Changing
Singer-songwriter Billy Joel once wrote, "Don't go changing, to try and please me..." (1977). But that is exactly what the modern, 21st Century church is trying to do. There are those Christians and Christian leaders who promote the idea that the church needs to change, evolve, and emerge. We need to do this, they say, so we can better reach the culture. The result is an impotent and irrelevant church that looks more like the culture than She does like Christ. This is a serious problem!
Not That New
What is happening is not really that new. The...
2018-09-2700 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 066 – The Success EquationThe Secret to Success
Well, there isn't one! There is no secret to success. Some of it is what you know - knowledge. Sometimes it's who you know - network. Some (actually all) of it is Divine Providence - God's will - what He performs, prefers, or permits. More of it is skill and ability. The truth is, it is all of the above. In nearly any and every area of your life, success is determined by the combination of knowledge, skill, and ability. Just knowing "stuff" isn't going to get the job done. You have to do it!
Knowledge +...
2018-09-2000 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 065 – Back On the Gym GrindSometimes, getting back on track after having fallen off is a struggle. Such is the case when it comes to training and nutrition. If you're like me, maybe you worked hard to get in shape for summer only to let your summer routine wane. You looked good in a swim suit in May and were comfortable taking off your shirt at the pool all summer but you stopped working out. It's easy to find yourself in this situation and forget there really is no "off season." At least there shouldn't be one.
Summer Came...and Went!
I put a lot...
2018-09-0600 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 064 – Your Theology MattersTheology matters. Knowing what you believe and why you believe is foundational to being able to live a life pleasing before God. It is also a cornerstone principle to my work as a Christian life coach. I encounter people on a regular basis - Christians - who do not know the basic doctrines of the Bible. That means they don't know what the Bible teaches and therefore have little basis for their beliefs. In other words, they've built their lives on sand.
Theology Matters
Doctrine is a term that many Christians - and too many preachers - are steering away...
2018-08-3000 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 063 – WAIT, Why Are You Talking?W.A.I.T. - Why Am I Talking?
Wait...wait for what? Wait to see if your talking is productive and edifying. Taking the time to evaluate your own desire to talk - to add input to a conversation - can go a long way in producing positive results. Resolving conflict has a lot to do with thinking about what you are saying and how you are saying it. This week's episode of DTLC Radio is an addendum to last week's podcast on Biblical Communication and Conflict Resolution.
Self-Evaluation
Too often we interject and interrupt what others are saying...
2018-08-1500 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 062 – Biblical Communication & Conflict ResolutionThe skill of communication and effectively resolving conflicts - in marriage, business, or any relationship - is paramount to successful living. From the beginning, communication has been presented as THE component in healthy relationships. God first communicated to us - condescending and transcending Himself into our world - illustrating the critical nature of communication. He did so both generally and specifically, that we might know Him and be known by Him. This is also the goal of every relationship we have - in varying degrees - especially in marriage.
The Wisdom of Paul
In the Apostle Paul's letter to the...
2018-08-0900 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 061 – Completely Content Totally DissatisfiedThe difference between contentment and satisfaction is one of perspective. Contentment is a state of your spirit. Contentment is about conviction and knowing - with assurance - who you are, whose you are, and your purpose in life. It's an issue of knowing you have what you need Philippians 4:11-12) . Remember how our Lord taught us to pray? Our Father...give us this day our daily bread... (Matthew 6:9-13). Contentment is rooted in belonging to the Lord by faith - justification.
Satisfaction, on the other hand, is a state of mind. Again, it's a difference in perspective. I can be co...
2018-08-0200 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 060 – Christmas in July – Who is Jesus?A. W. Tozer once wrote, "What comes to mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us." Your concept of God - and its consistency with the Bible's revelation of Him - affects every aspect of your life. In turn, who you believe and understand Jesus to be affects you in the same way, and more so.
The Message of Christmas in July
Christmas in July is not an uncommon "celebration" in our culture. Sales abound this time of year using the phrase and drawing us into stores to make purchases. But do we ever really...
2018-07-2500 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 059 – The Sufficiency of Scripture – Psalm 19The sufficiency of Scripture - that the Bible is the very Word of God and able to accomplish all He desires in and through your life - is a lost truth in many pulpits. After reading an article by Barry Thornton on the ills of the "Emergent church", published by The Christian Restoration Association and available here, I felt provoked to respond. I was not provoked in a negative way but in full agreement with the content of Mr. Thornton's article. I agree that the Bible needs to be brought back - and in the most prominent way possible - to...
2018-07-1900 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 058 – Happiness…The Worst Value You Can HaveSAY WHAT?! What do you mean, "happiness is the worst value you can have"?
Nothing Happy About Happiness
You read that right. There is nothing happy about happiness...as a priority in your life. And yes, happiness is the worst value you can have. Why? Because happiness is a result and entirely circumstantial. True, happiness might result from experiencing good things. But what about those times when you experience bad things? Are you happy then? Typically not. And therein lies the problem.
Happiness is - more often than not - dependent on "happy" circumstances and situations. So, when we experience...
2018-06-2800 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 057 – Setting Your EQ…Emotional QuotientRemember those "old school" equalizers that were key components of home stereo systems? Recall how you would adjust each individual frequency just right to achieve the optimum in listening enjoyment? I miss my old Mitsubishi rack with 15" woofer cabinets, EQ, automatic 8-cassette tape changer, turntable, tuner, and CD-player. My freshman year at Ball State University (1986), that stereo won the award for "Loudest Stereo in the Dorm"! Man, that thing could rock!
Fine Tuning
One of the components that made that system stand out was the EQ...the equalizer. It had adjustments for ten or twelve different frequencies on each channel...
2018-06-2000 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 056 – Freedom In Setting BoundariesBoundaries are all about self-control. A fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). They allow you to take ownership, be responsible, and experience the freedom of living the life God has prepared for you. In fact, boundaries were originally God's idea and He expects us to set them clearly in our lives. When you fail to set boundaries in your relationships, you risk the break down of that relationship. The truth is, your relationships - especially your marriage - cannot develop or grow beyond your ability to set boundaries.
Boundaries As Ownership & Responsibility
A boundary is simply a personal property line...
2018-06-1300 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 055 – Personal Discipline for HolinessIn this sixth episode of our series on pursuing personal holiness, we discuss the role of personal discipline. We understand and accept the personal responsibility that comes from our desire to get in shape physically. Likewise, we must embrace our responsibility in growing in holiness. This simply means we are accountable for developing our own personal holiness - growing in spiritual maturity - we play a role in conforming ourselves to the image of Christ.
We Learn To Be Holy
Becoming holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16) is something we learn and we train ourselves to become holy by self-discipline (1...
2018-06-0600 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 054 – Personal Holiness Equals ObedienceFor far too long, in our pursuit to ensure that people understand salvation is by grace through faith, we have neglected teaching Christians to obey.
18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (emphasis added)
Obedience Not Victory
We are too often lookin...
2018-05-2300 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 053 – Three Things To Remember In Your Pursuit of HolinessThree Things to Remember
In your pursuit of personal holiness, remembering these three things will help you stay focused and overcome setbacks. Perspective is everything! How you see yourself, the world, and your relationship to God affects and effects every aspect of your life. This is true relative to your pursuit for personal holiness as well. You will discover - if you have not already - that the path of holiness is difficult and challenging. Don't give up or fall back to your old ways of doing things. Stay focused on your objective and the motivations behind it.
Remember Christ's...
2018-05-1700 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 052 – Personal Holiness Is Not OptionalHoliness is not optional! To think you can live the Christian life apart from obedience is to be self-deceived. Antinomianism is the theological term for the false perception that grace does not require a life of obedience. Antinomianism is clearly a false doctrine. Hebrews 12:14 says, "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." Christians are to "strive for holiness" - it's the evidence of a redeemed life - without which, salvation can be questioned. Simply stated, holiness is about obedience rather than perfection. And yes, Christians have commandments and laws we ar...
2018-05-0900 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 051 – Personal Holiness Is Rooted in God’s HolinessThe single biggest reason for pursuing holiness is because God is Holy. The call to live a holy life - a call on every Christian - is based the fact that God Himself is Holy. Because He is holy, He requires you to be holy. "...but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, 'YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY'.” - 1 Peter 1:15.
Obedience Commanded
Many people adhere to antinomianism - the heresy of taking the principle of salvation by grace through faith to the point of asserting that the sav...
2018-04-2500 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 050 – Pursuit of a LifetimeLife, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We're all aware of these great words written in our Declaration of Independence. They are words we take to heart and fight to the death to protect. But have you ever wondered where happiness is to be found? I suggest it won't be found in the places you're most likely to be looking.
Pursue Holiness
Holiness is the thing about God that makes Him most "God". It is the attribute of His character that we are commanded to be - YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY - 1 Peter 1:16. When we understand...
2018-04-1900 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 049 – Spring Cleaning for Your SoulSpring is a great time of year! Longer days, warmer temperatures, and brighter days. Opening our doors and windows to let in the light and sun often reveals the dirt we've accumulated over a long, dark winter. Every year at this time people take days or even weekends to go room-by-room and clean. Not only does this look and smell better but it feels better, too. A clean house is a welcoming space where you can relax and unwind.
Don't Neglect Your Soul
What's good for your home is equally good for your soul. Let this time of year serve...
2018-04-0500 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 048 – What Is Christian Coaching?What does a Christian Coach do? How is coaching different from counseling? What can a coach do for me that I cannot do for myself? These questions and others are the topic of this week's podcast. I've recently been asked this question and overheard a similar inquiry by another person and thought now would be a good time to provide an answer. As the description mentions, this is a refresher from a previous podcast.
Often, people are confused by the term "life coach" or have heard a variety of definitions about what they do. My hope is to put some...
2018-03-2900 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 047 – Sharing the Gospel With Those Closest To YouSharing the faith and the gospel with those closest to you can be a formidable challenge. It is a misnomer that witnessing to strangers is more difficult. Also, the idea that you have to have an established relationship (i.e. relationship evangelism) before you can share the gospel is equally misleading. The truth is, as Christians, realizing our potential and living a transformed life includes sharing the gospel with everyone. This is especially true for our closest family members and friends.
The Intimidation Factor
Reality dictates that our family and closest friends know us best. This means they know all...
2018-03-2200 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 046 – Watch Your Mouth! (and your posts!)Your language reflects, not just yourself, but the God you claim to serve!
Your Language Matters
The words you choose and the language you use matters. Part of realizing your true potential and transforming your life is finding consistency. What you say and how you say it must reflect what you claim to believe. In this episode, I admittedly go on a bit of a personal rant. Quite honestly, I'm tired of reading posts, seeing images, and hearing "Christians" use profane, vulgar, and inappropriate language.
It seems that every time I go online I'm finding increasing numbers of posts from...
2018-03-1400 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 045 – Eight Keys to Successful LivingFoundational to your success is how you define it. Depending on your definition, you may or may not achieve success. The Bible defines success and successful living in dramatically different terms than the world. It is important for your definition to be consistent with God's views of a successful life.
The Base
While your definition of success must correspond to God's, so your spiritual development must be built on your relationship to Him. Nurturing your spiritual life is imperative to living a successful life. This episode offers seven other areas which will help you build the life you desire. That...
2018-02-2800 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 044 – Keeping Your WordIntegrity is a matter of honesty and being a person who keeps their word. It's a matter of dependability. Are you someone others can depend on? This trait is valuable in literally every single relationship you have or will ever have. When you make a promise or otherwise fail to live up to your word, you jeopardize that relationship and let others down. Keeping your word and being a person of integrity builds trust and strengthens the relationship.
It Is A Matter of Integrity
Many people may be challenged by the idea that word-keeping is a matter of overall integrity. B...
2018-02-2200 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 043 – Where the Rubber Meets the Road – Staying motivated to reach your fitness goals.Motivation - staying motivated to reach your fitness goals - this is where the rubber meets the road.
How To Stay Motivated
The way you stay motivated to reach your fitness goals - or any goals for that matter - is an issue of focus. What are you focusing on? Do you focus on the things that are likely to push you toward giving in and giving up or are do you focus on what you can achieve...today?! Your answer will have a lot to do with your success. This episode is recorded six weeks into the new year...
2018-02-1400 minDTLC RadioDTLC Radio 042 – The Lost Key to SuccessGumption - it's a word we don't hear much anymore. There was a time when many - if not most - people spoke of gumption. Some have, some don't, but all need it. Gumption is the self-initiative, aggressive moxie that has the courage to change the status quo. This lost key to success taps personal resourcefulness, provides bold enthusiasm, and persists in moving forward. It may sound like an old-fashioned idea but I believe the time has come for this concept to be renewed and restored.
Got Gumption?
Gumption is about taking responsibility, facing your shortcomings, and determining to grow...
2018-01-3100 min